"Shiek" - читать интересную книгу автора (Connie Mason)

The bath was as soothing as Zara had known it would be. Someone, Hammet no doubt, had left jasmine soap and a stack of drying cloths for her use, and she lay back in the scented water and closed her eyes.

"You stayed with him all night!"

Zara's eyes flew open. She groaned aloud when she saw Saha advancing toward her, her face contorted with rage. Zara scooted down in the water as Saha stood at the edge of the tub, staring at her with hatred.

"What are you doing in Jamal's bath?"

"What are you doing in Jamal's chambers?" Zara shot back.

"I go where I wish. I am not Jamal's slave, you are. No woman has ever spent the entire night in Jamal's bed. You bewitched him," Saha charged.

Zara's lips thinned. "Leave me, Lady Saha. I wish to bathe in private."

"You put on pretty airs for a slave, Zara. Jamal will soon tire of you and return to the loving arms of his concubines."

"You are welcome to Jamal if you think you can please him," Zara taunted. "When was the last time you or the others shared his bed?"

Saha gave her a dangerous half-smile. "Be wary, slave, for you may not live much longer to please our lord." She turned and stalked away.

Zara tried to ignore the concubine's jealousy as she finished her bath. She was just reaching for the drying cloth when Jamal strode into the hammam. He squatted beside the tub and smiled at her. "I'm glad you availed yourself of my bath." He reached down and lifted her from the water.

Zara reached for the drying cloth but Jamal brushed her hands aside and took up the task himself. "Are you sore?" he asked when he drew the cloth between her legs and saw her wince.

"A little," she admitted.

"I was pleased with you last night. I wasn't expecting a virgin. Tonight I'll show you how silver balls can be used to give pleasure." Zara swallowed convulsively, his words conjuring up erotic fantasies. "Tonight? Perhaps one of your other womenтАФ"

Jamal grimaced. "They do not appeal to me. Nay, Zara, you will come to me tonight. Hammet will escort you. Now, are you hungry? Hammet has brought food to break your fast. I ate earlier but will take tea with you."

"I have nothing to wear." Her words were curt, her manner abrupt. Allah, she wanted to hate him for what he'd made of her. He had given her incredible pleasure, but it had cost her her pride.

"Hammet has brought a caftan for you to wear. You'll find it in my bed chamber."

After donning the caftan, Zara ate heartily of tart yogurt, fresh melon, figs and sweet honey cakes. Jamal watched her eat, his gaze fastened hungrily on her lips. When she finished, she dabbed at her lips with her napkin and said, "I would like to see my father now."

"I assumed you would. I gave Hammet the key. He'll escort you. I have business in the village and won't see you again until you join me tonight."

He cupped her cheek, his sultry gaze dark with promise. "I can hardly wait, sweet vixen. Wear nothing but a cloak over your nakedness when you come to me tonight." Then he leaned forward, licked the seam of her lips with the tip of his tongue and pressed a kiss to her mouth. "And wear the emerald. I love the contrast of vivid green against the white flesh of your breasts."

Zara could think of nothing to say as Jamal strode from the chamber. She was still collecting her wits when Hammet entered, bowed low and said, "I will take you to your father, lady."

Zara scrambled to her feet, wincing at the unexpected soreness between her thighs. "I am ready, Hammet."





Youssef stared at Zara when she entered his prison, seeking signs that would reveal her state of well-being. Had she succumbed to the handsome sheik? he wondered. Had he hurt her? Allah, he felt so helpless.